HONG KONG (SE): The online artwork auction organised by the Diocesan Fund-Raising Commission for Church Building and Development, ended on January 31. The over 30 paintings and calligraphy pieces donated by eight clergy and religious were totally sold out and raised over 1.1 million in total.
Father Benedict Lam Cho-ming, chairperson of the commission, told the Kung Kao Po that the artwork were mostly bought by individuals, while some were sold to parishes or diocesan organisations. The artworks were presented to buyers on February 6.
A parishioner of St. Lawrence Church, Sham Shui Po, said they bought a painting by Father John Tsang Wai-hung with the money raised in different groups in the parish as they hope to offer more support for the diocese.
A Eucharistic minister at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Caine Road, bought a calligraphy piece as they thought the couplet best described the harmony of the parishioners.
During the opening ceremony of the online auction, Father Lam said that the commission, set up nearly two years ago, had to cancel some of its fund-raising activities since 2019 for various reasons.
As of the beginning of this year, the commission had raised $17 million through online appeals, charity sales and parish donations. (Sunday Examiner, January 17). However, the target of the commission is to raise $500 million in three years to support various projects of the diocese, including the extension of St. Joseph’s Church in Fanling, the construction of the new church in Tung Chung and the development of cemetery facilities.
The commission recently made an appeal to the laity to consider including the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong as one of the beneficiaries of their life insurance coverage as a kind of love offering.
The diocese is registered as one of the beneficiaries of the LifeCare Movement–Policy Donation, organised by the LUA Foundation Limited and LifeCare Movement, and supported by the Life Underwriters Association of Hong Kong Ltd.
People who are interested in joining the programme and who already have a life insurance policy can contact their insurance intermediary or agent to add the diocese as a beneficiary and adjust the percentage received by beneficiaries. The percentage of the donated coverage ranges from one per cent to 99 per cent according to the programme plan.
Those planning a new policy are encouraged to consider including the diocese as one of the beneficiaries. When the procedures are complete, they can send a message (WhatsApp: 5291 4295, or email: todonate@catholic.org.hk) to let the diocese know.
